Nice N Easy chain to be sold to Texas-based public company

Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes of Canastota, which operates 77 corporate and franchise stores across New York, has entered into an agreement to be acquired by San Antonio, Texas-based CST Brands.

CST Brands, which operates more than 1,900 gas stations and convenience stores in the U.S. and Canada, will acquire all franchisor rights of Nice N Easy and continue to operate stores under the same name, the company announced Wednesday. The sale is expected to close in the early fourth quarter of this year. Further terms of the transaction weren’t disclosed.

In the north country, Edward J. and John P. Valentine co-own numerous Nice N Easy franchise locations across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

Kim Bowers, chairman and CEO of CST Brands, said in a released statement that the acquisition will enable the company to expand its footprint into upstate New York.

“Our stores across the United States and Canada share a lot in common with Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes, making this a great match culturally and a prime opportunity for CST Brands to enter into new markets,” he said. “Both Nice N Easy and CST Brands are committed to great people, loyal customers and strong community ties, and we look forward to delighting more customers every day together.”

In a released statement, Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes President and CEO Fran Duskiewicz said, “Nice N Easy’s founder, the late John MacDougall, started this process a year ago with very specific provisions about the sale that would protect the Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes name, image, people and his legacy. It is bittersweet that we have reached this point without him with us to enjoy the potential growth of our program that we believe CST Brands will provide. Company culture is everything to us and we’ve made a decision that will allow that culture to continue and grow with a group with whom we share many business philosophies.”

Commenting rules:

Stick to the topic of the article/letter/editorial.

When responding to issues raised by other commenters, do not engage in personal attacks or name-calling.

Comments that include profanity/obscenities or are libelous in nature will be removed without warning.

Violators' commenting privileges may be revoked indefinitely. By commenting you agree to our full Terms of Use.